While International Women’s Day was last month, it seems that April is shaping up to be a celebration of new women leaders in our sector.

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news from our community. Congratulations to Joanne Bath and Mackenzie Darbyshire on the launch of their new consulting business, Kittiwake, and to Liz LeClair on founding UpRising! It’s truly inspiring to see such talented colleagues take bold steps to lead in this way. They aren’t the first – shout out to Vanessa Burns, Liz Struijf-Mandishora and others – and I’m sure they won’t be the last. As Liz LeClair so perfectly put it, we “need to support and celebrate one another…. and are all better when we work together to support our communities.” These new ventures strengthen our sector and expand the options available for causes to get the support they need.

We’re also kicking off our first professional development session of the year with three accomplished women – Cindy Wagman, Gillian Doucette-Campbell and Tanya Wall – leaders in the growing field of fractional fundraising. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what’s driving this trend and how it’s reshaping the non-profit landscape! 

And finally, don’t forget to check out this month’s Member Spotlight, featuring the fabulous Katie MacDonald, the powerhouse behind our Chapter’s Education Portfolio.

Here’s to a month of inspiration, innovation, and celebrating women who are making our sector stronger.

Fiona

Fiona Valverde

President, AFP Nova Scotia

Virtual Session: The Great Reshuffle: How the Rise of Fractional Leadership is Reshaping Nonprofit Talent

With Guest Speakers

• Cindy Wagman
• Gillian Doucet-Campbell
• Tanya Wall

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

$20 - Virtual Online Access

Session Description

The nonprofit sector is experiencing a dramatic shift in how organizations access senior talent and how professionals approach their careers. With LinkedIn profiles mentioning fractional leadership skyrocketing from 2,000 to 110,000 in just two years, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing a 57% increase in fractional senior management since 2020, this transformation cannot be ignored. Through data, case studies, and interactive exercises, we'll explore what's driving this growth, how organizations are successfully implementing fractional models, and what it means for nonprofit leaders. You'll leave understanding how to evaluate and navigate this significant shift in nonprofit talent strategy.

The rise of fractional leadership is transforming how nonprofits access talent. With a 57% increase in fractional executive roles since 2020, this shift is reshaping traditional employment models and creating new opportunities for organizations and professionals alike. Explore what's driving this revolution, how it's impacting the sector, and what it means for the future of nonprofit leadership. Leave understanding how to evaluate and navigate this significant transformation.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the data and drivers behind the fractional leadership movement
2. Identify how this shift is affecting talent acquisition, retention, and organizational design
3. Explore the entrepreneurial mindset required for success in this new model
4. Evaluate implications and opportunities for your organization or career

MFC Leadership Volunteers

We are on the look out for a few event professionals searching for their next volunteer opportunity. Join Maritime Fundraising Conference (MFC25)’s leadership team and help with:

• Education Committee
• Guest Experience Committee
• Event Production & Management Committee

Ready to be a part of an amazing team and help create Atlantic Canada’s fundraising conference? Email one of our Chairs:

Glenn Massad - MFC Chair

Su Khatri - MFC Co-Chair

Join AFPNS Board of Directors

AFP Nova Scotia is on the search for new board members, fund development professionals who understand the need to build a strong board of directors to support moving an organization forward.

If you are looking for a new volunteer opportunity and want to be a part of the amazing work we are doing to support IDEA, professional development and promotion of the sector please email your interest to afpnovascotia@gmail.com with Board of Directors in the subject line.

Join AFPNS' Education Committee

We are looking for volunteers to help Shape the Future of AFP Nova Scotia’s Educational offerings. The Committee has some big plans to bring professional development opportunities to our members. If this sounds interesting and you are ready to get your hands dirty reach out to Katie MacDonald at katiemacdonald00@gmail.com. 

Calling All Mentors

The Mentorship Program is looking for volunteers with time to share their expertise, knowledge and experience with new fundraising professionals. 

• Mentors: Share your knowledge and help others grow in their careers.

Ready for the opportunity to connect? We have mentees ready to be paired.

IDEA Committee Volunteers

What do you think about our IDEA Pathway? Ready to be a part of a working group dedicated to moving our work forward?

We are looking for people interested in being a part of this journey. 

Please consider sharing your ideas and thoughts. Apply by emailing us at afpnovascotia@gmail.com with IDEA Committee in the subject line.

National Philanthropy Day Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to be a part of this new committee. Get involved in creating a National Philanthropy Day that recognizes and celebrates the impact of donors, funders and fundraisers in Nova Scotia.

Learn more and get involved by emailing Whitney.Machin@mscanada.ca.

Save The Date!

We will be launching our registration site shortly but we are excited to announce pricing for this year’s conference.

Early Bird pricing

• Member $150
• Non-member $180
• Group (6 tickets for the price of 5) $750
• Young Professional $115
• IDEA Delegate - apply for your free application here
• Virtual $70

Additionally, Global Philanthropic Canada will once again host a ½ day workshop for $100 per registrant.

Stay in touch by visiting our webpage.

Katie MacDonald is the Volunteer & Capacity Development Lead at the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia and currently serves as Chair of the Education portfolio with AFP Nova Scotia. With a background in philanthropy, community engagement, and capacity-building, she’s passionate about creating the conditions where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute in meaningful ways. Katie also serves as Vice Chair of the Our Health Centre Foundation, supporting community-based health and wellness through fundraising and volunteer leadership.

AFP Nova Scotia (AFPNS) was honoured to be able to give away seven free memberships to these wonderful applicants:

• Brittany Pretty
• Jessie Walker
• Catherine Richards
• Tamsyn Brennan
• Sanaa Elhashmy
• Shannon Shields
• Florence Wallace

We can’t wait to see where your AFPNS membership will take you!

Did you know there has been no direct mention of our sector - we are at risk of being neglected!

We need your help to continue to spread the word and engage in the conversation with the results shared on social media using the hashtags: #AFPCanad, #PolCa, and #Elxn45.

Review the review of Charities program 2023-24 report here.

Learn more about how you can help here.

Every vote matters!

Through our Election Survey (remains live) we have learned 100% of members who are eligible, intend to vote. 

Take action

• Download the Election Toolkit, and keep near your door! Knock knock! 
• Take action on social media, amplifying AFP Canada posts and use hashtags #AFPCanada #PolCan and #Elxn45
•   Register and promote our post-election webinar on May 8th to learn what to expect in the first 100 days.

Needs resources, check these out: 

• The website (English and French) is where you will find resources such as sample questions to ask candidates and key messages.
• Our advocacy page to find additional resources, including our latest Pre-Budge Submission.

And there is still time so engage with Government Leaders including:

 Mark Carney (Liberal)

·Instagram: @markjcarney

·LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-carney-5b9744205

·X: @MarkJCarney

Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

-Instagram: @pierrepoilievremp

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrepoilievre

·X: @PierrePoilievre

 Jagmeet Singh (NDP)

·Instagram: @jagmeetsingh

·LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jagmeet-singh-71997392

· X: @theJagmeetSingh

Jonathan Pedneault (Green Party Co-Leader)

-Instagram: @jonathan_pedneault

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanpedneault

·X: @j_pedneault / @CanadianGreens

 Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)

·Instagram: @yfblanchetbq

·LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yves-fran%C3%A7ois-blanchet-0498449a -X: @yfblanchet

On April 28, Canadians will go to the polls to elect the next Government. So what happens next? Join us on May 8 (12-1:00 ET), for an AFP Canada post-election webinar. Alik Angaladian, Principal at Maple Leaf Strategies, will discuss government activity in the first 100 days post-election and its potential impact on our sector. AFP Canada will also outline our government relations priorities and answer your questions. Registration required. Spaces limited.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the largest association of fundraising professionals in the world, is pleased to announce that after an extensive search, it has named H. Art Taylor as its new president and chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2025.

According to the latest report from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, Q3 2024 marks the fourth consecutive quarter where the overall donor retention rate has decreased year-over-year.

Email communications are critically important for many nonprofits. They’re a key channel for constituent engagement, donor stewardship, fundraising asks, peer-to-peer participant coaching and much more.

We have launched our calendar of events on the AFP Nova Scotia website. This allows you to view all of our events and activities with one quick click.

To widen our impact on the philanthropic community in Atlantic Canada we have joined BlueSky: @afpnovascotia.bsky.social